Slumgullion

As noted in a recent post on The Second Disc website, several recording artists have come together for an Adam Schlesinger tribute album. The Saving For A Custom Van 3-LP set on pink vinyl is due out in September from Vinyl Me Please and will features cover versions of Schlesinger compositions by Tanya Donelly and Gail Greenwood; Kay Hanley; Nada Surf; Rachel Bloom; Ted Leo; and others. The material showcases Schlesinger’s impressive work with Fountains Of Wayne and Ivy, as well as on motion picture soundtracks. All proceeds from the album will go to MusicCares COVID-19 Relief.

It’s so good to see live in-person shows returning to the Early Warnings concert listings in The Chicago Reader. Toward the top of the list, you’ll find a free Amazing Heeby Jeebies gig in the beer garden at Montrose Saloon tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 pm. Other shows listed include Bluesy Tuesday featuring Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials at FitzGerald’s on April 6; Michael Steve Cohen from The Abbeys and The Pop Dollies at Montrose Saloon on April 11, 18, and 25; Waco Brothers at FitzGerald’s on April 10; Clannad at the Irish American Heritage Center on September 20; Alanis Morissette, Garbage, and Liz Phair at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater on September 11; Sinead O’Connor at City Winery on August 18, 19 and 21; and Tame Impala and Perfume Genius at United Center on October 7. The Chicago Reader, Chicago’s long-running free paper is available throughout the downtown and north side Chicago areas.

The Morrison Hotel graphic novel about The Doors from Z2 Comics has finally come out after a lengthy pre-order period. Written by Leah Moore and featuring a number of artists and colorists, it covers various aspects of the band’s career, with plenty of turbulent and free love 1960s atmosphere.

Cheap Trick is having an album release party for its new In Another World album on iHeart Radio stations and on the oHeart YouTube site next Friday, April 9. There will be a picture disc version available exclusively at Target stores.

The Who will present a free livestream of a documentary about the creation its 1967 The Who Sell Out album on nugs.net on April 22. An post on the band’s official Instagram site promises rare archival footages well as new interviews with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry. The Who have a Super Deluxe Edition of The Who Sell Out arriving on April 23 that includes 112 tracks on five CDs and two seven-inch singles, this edition features an 80-page hard cover book, rare posters, inserts, and stickers.

I had never heard of the Strum and Thrum various artists compilation until Mark Caro praised it in an article he wrote about 1980s jangle rock for last Sunday’s Chicago Sun-Times. Caro is a writer I enjoy and respect, so I immediately ordered a copy. The 28-track double CD is as he described it—brimming with energetic guitar playing and catchy melodies reminiscent of R.E.M. Aside from The Reverbs, I hadn’t heard of any of these bands but I quickly got into their music. Caro also likes the new box set by the the 1980s band Pylon, so I might look into that next. 

Things I learned from the March issue of MOJO that came in the mail this week: John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame has two sons who have formed a psychedelic blues band named Hearty Har; Barry Gibb was quite a bit taller than his brothers Maurice and Robin when they first started performing together as kids; and the magazine’s staff thinks “A Forest” was the best song The Cure ever recorded.

Sweet Home Chicago Blues - Celebrating 50 Years Of Alligator Records is now streaming on YouTube and will be available to watch through April 11. The event features Billy Branch And The Sons Of Blues, along with special guests Shemekia Copeland; Toronzo Cannon; and Lil’ Ed Williams.

Stevie Van Zandt has added being an author to his list of entertainment-related activities. His book Unrequited Infatuations is now available for pre-order from Hachette Books in print, eBook, and audio formats.

The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood has been extended through September 6. Organizers have social distancing, along with numerous other health and safety measures in place, so visitors can be surrounded by the world famous artist’s best works for a little over a half hour.